Page 9 of Titus (Big Hot Alphas 2)

“Really?” says Cara.

“Really,” I say. “Pinky swear.”

With the girls’ permission, I head back to Bailey, who has taken a seat on a wooden log along the perimeter of the playground.

“I don’t know why you think kids aren’t for you,” says Bailey. “You’re so good with the girls.”

“That’s because they aren’tmykids,” I say as I sit down beside her. “It’s easy to be good with them when they aren’t your own.”

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever. You can keep believing that.”

“Anyway,” I say. “Tell me howyou’vebeen. How’s business?”

“It’s good. Busy. Dax has been busy, too,” Bailey tells me. Bailey makes these adorable little hand-carved bowls and sells them online; her husband makes dining tables.

“Nottoobusy, though, I hope,” I say.

“No. We’re good about keeping everything balanced. Trust me, we have plenty of family time. And plenty of one-on-one time.” Bailey wriggles her eyebrows at me and we both burst out laughing.

“Okay. Good,” I say.

“Actually…I have some news. I’m pregnant again.”

“What? Bailey!” I throw my arms around her and give her a hug. “That’s really exciting. Congrats.”

“Thanks, sweetie.”

“How have you been feeling?”

“A little sick, to be honest. But Dax has been amazing. Spoiling me even more than usual.” She smiles. “I always feel like I’m bragging when I talk about him. But he really is the perfect guy for me.”

“Aw. Bailey. That’s really sweet.”

“How about you, missy?” she says. “You meet the man of your dreams yet?”

I snort. “Yeah, right.”

“Damn it. Really? Nothing? Because when we were driving down, I had thisfeeling…”

I peel a splinter off the log beneath us. “Well…okay. Fine. Ididmeet a guy recently. But it’s not…we’re not dating or anything. I mean, it’s not even a possibility. He was just passing through town.”

“What, was he on the run or something?”

I shoot her a look. “No. Although…he certainlylookedlike he could snap a man in half.”

“Yeah? And what does he do?”

“He’s a long-haul trucker.”

“Did he show you his huge truck?”

Bailey starts cracking up before I can get a word in.

I sigh.

“Oh my God!” says Bailey, grabbing my arm. “Hedid!”

“You’re so immature.”

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